Salahuddin Haider
THE Pakistanis are a brave and coura geous nation, undaunted by odds, howsoever loaded or heavy, know to fight back, a quality that makes it great. Ups and downs are part of life. Nations weak or strong face the dilemma at some stage of the existence, but those overcoming reversals set example for others to emulate.
Such is the story of Pakistan, founded in 1947 as a divine gift from God Almighty, in which tireless efforts by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had a heroic role. It too had its problems, but never surrendered and always came back to play its role in the comity of nations. If 60s was the era of progress and prosperity, industrialization, sustained growth, 70 and 90 distortions in economy because of socialist thinking, corporate sector, an example in the region, suffering immeasurably because of nationalization of industrial units, banking and life insurance sectors, but then recoveries too were there.
The 20 year long period, also saw tremendous boom in sports, especially in cricket, hockey, and squash, thanks largely to late Air Marshal Nur Khan, who imbibed in players a spirit to fight back, and in 1992 we won the cricket world, in squash we ruled for a long, long time, Hashim Khan, Roshan Khan, and Jehangir Khan, Aftab Ahmad, could easily be compared with Sweden” Bjon Borg, JohnMcenroe, won three Olympic titles and four hockey world cups within a short span of time.
The resilient Pakistani nation contributed massively in combating war against terrorism; and has borne loss of over 70,000 precious lives and approximately $120 billion in economy. The glorious period of Pakistan cricket, waxed, waned and eclipsed with the advent of century, having been adversely affected by foreign teams refusing to play due to terrorism.
It must be noted that Cricket remains one of the most critical element in re-invigorating nationalism (an aspect which is threatened by 5th generation warfare launched against Pakistan). Despite being singled out by cricketing world, Pakistan kept her cricket alive by using neutral venues which proved a successful strategy to stay relevant in the game. Pakistan’s recent victory against visiting South African team is an exemplary achievement after many years and will have a positive impact for future.
Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, himself a cricket hero, an icon of international cricket, has conceived the new basic structure of the game in country his strategy is taking its roots well. Hopefully the same concept shall be applied to other sports also. Pakistan’s military, or call it law enforcing agencies, successfully defeated foreign sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, this unprecedented victory created / re-transformed an environment and international sports, cricket started in Pakistan after 15 years.
Just for record, some figures are quoted here to substantiate the argument. Pakistan played 435 Test matches, winning 140, losing 133 and drawing 162.[18] Pakistan was given Test status on 28 July 1952, following a recommendation by India, and made its Test debut against India at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi, in October 1952, with India winning by an innings and 70 runs.[19] In the 1930s and 40s, several Pakistani Test players had played Test cricket for the Indian cricket team before opting for Pakistan.
The team has played 930 ODIs, winning 488, losing 413, tying 9 with 20 ending in no-result.[20] Pakistan was the 1992 World Cup champion, and was the runner-up in the 1999 tournament. Pakistan, in conjunction with other countries in South Asia, has hosted the 1987 and 1996 World Cups, with the 1996 final being hosted at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
It beat India at Lucknow in 1952, and England at Oval in 1954, Fazal Mehmood being the hero, in both these fixtures. But the resilience of the nation, finally has been rewarded by a 2-0 series win against South Africa and 2-1 T-20 series win against South Africa just couple of weeks ago. What counts in the end is the will to survive. Pakistan is bestowed with that blessing by our Creator and looks forward to winning laurels in coming months or years.
The resilient Pakistani nation contributed massively in combating war against terrorism; and has borne loss of over 70,000 precious lives and approx $120 billion in economy.
Pakistani cricket has experienced its glory; however it was adversely affected by foreign teams refusing to play due to terrorism. It must be noted that Cricket remains one of the most critical element in re-invigorating nationalism (an aspect which is threatened by 5th generation warfare launched against Pakistan).
Despite being singled out by cricketing world, Pakistan kept her cricket alive by using neutral venues which proved a successful strategy to stay relevant in the game. Pakistan’s recent victory against visiting South African team is an exemplary achievement after many years and will have a positive impact for future.
PM of Pakistan Imran Khan (himself a cricket hero / icon of international cricket) has conceived the new basic structure of the game in country his strategy is taking its roots well. Hopefully the same concept shall be applied to other sports also. Pakistan’s military / LEAs successfully defeated foreign sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, this unprecedented victory re-transformed an environment and international sports / cricket started in Pakistan after 15 years. In coming weeks, months, and years Pakistan wil overcome its problems, and ready to play its role in the comity of nations.
